The bill amends the General Property Tax Act to expand the exemptions available for real property used as a homestead. It specifies that real property owned by any disabled veteran, the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, or the surviving spouse of a public safety officer who died in the line of duty is exempt from property taxes. The bill clarifies that the exemption for the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran continues as long as they do not remarry and applies to any homestead property they acquire after the veteran's death. Additionally, it introduces definitions for terms related to public safety officers and outlines the process for applying for the exemption.

To obtain the exemption, individuals must file an application with the local assessing officer, and the bill stipulates that taxes must be canceled for any year in which an eligible individual acquires title to exempt property. The exemption remains in effect without the need for reapplication until rescinded or denied. The bill also details how exemptions should be prorated if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year, providing specific methods for calculating the exempted amount based on property ownership duration. Overall, the amendments aim to provide greater tax relief to veterans and their families.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 211.7